Group gains steam in effort to save railroad depot

A pitch to save Milford’s 1871 train depot from demolition is picking up steam as members of the community climb on board to put together a plan.

A group of residents hopes to move the building – in one piece – from its current location on the former Iverson’s Lumber property to a new location at the Huron Valley trail head just west of the intersection at Milford and General Motors roads.

There, said Milford historian and preservationist Linda Dagenhardt, the depot could be returned to its original look and used as a multi-purpose facility.

“We’d like to use the original ticket and passenger area as a museum, so people could come and see how the real thing looked,” Dagenhardt said, noting the group has also discussed renting bikes from the building and using the larger baggage area – which would also be restored to its historical appearance – as an event center.

Once moved, the building would be placed on a new foundation and, ideally, Dagenhardt said, renovations would include a new heating, plumbing and restrooms.

The property at the trailhead is currently owned by the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority, but leased to the Village of Milford through 2065, said Village Manager Christian Wuerth.

Wuerth said he’s working with the metroparks, and assisting in other ways to help facilitate the plan.

“We’re looking at what we need to do process-wise,” Wuerth said. “Moving it to this location is definitely a viable option, and it’s definitely worth pursuing – but we have quite a few things to check off the list before it can happen.”

Donations needed

Dagenhardt said the group has set a fundraising goal of $150,000 to fund the project and hopefully put a funds aside for future maintenance.

“We just had our first large donation of $1,000,” she said. “We have a wonderful group of people helping out.”

But time is short. The depot, along with other buildings on the former Iverson’s Lumber property, is scheduled for demolition early this summer as developers finalize plans for new luxury-loft apartments at the site.

Those who wish to donate to the cause can mail checks to The Milford Historical Society, 124 E. Commerce St., Milford MI 48381. Be sure to write “Depot” on the item line.

The group is also likely to collect donations at the Milford Farmers Market and at other events around town.

For more information, or to lend a hand, call Linda Dagenhardt at 248-807-1204.